Ultra-Early Wildfire Detection Pilot Launched in Oakville, Ontario
May 1, 2025
Ultra-Early Wildfire Detection Pilot Launched in Oakville, Ontario
Siemens Canada is undertaking a pilot project near its Oakville, Ontario headquarters aimed at ultra-early detection of wildfires. The year-long pilot will see more than 50 solar-powered sensors attached to trees in Iroquois Shoreline Woods Park, with installation expected to be completed in March 2025.
Data from the palm-card sized sensors will be retrieved via encrypted wireless protocol and analyzed by Siemens experts to better understand the capabilities of the sensors under various weather conditions. Data sets the team is interested in studying include the detection of smoke and carbon monoxide, as well as humidity, temperature and air pressure; all of which are wildfire indicators.
Data from the palm-card sized sensors will be retrieved via encrypted wireless protocol and analyzed by Siemens experts to better understand the capabilities of the sensors under various weather conditions. Data sets the team is interested in studying include the detection of smoke and carbon monoxide, as well as humidity, temperature and air pressure; all of which are wildfire indicators.
It is important to note while wildfires have been in the news recently, Oakville is in a forest ecosystem that is not prone to forest fires. The goal of this pilot is to provide baseline data to compare with other jurisdictions and areas where these sensors could be used in the future.
The devastating effects of climate change have become increasingly clear, as evidenced by the recent fires in California. In Canada, 2023 was the most destructive wildfire season ever recorded, with more than 5,500 fires reported Faisal Kazi, President & CEO Siemens Canada
“The devastating effects of climate change have become increasingly clear, as evidenced by the recent fires in California. In Canada, 2023 was the most destructive wildfire season ever recorded, with more than 5,500 fires reported,” says Faisal Kazi, President & CEO Siemens Canada. “We’re very interested in looking at how we can use technology – in this case sensors and the resulting data – to better predict and ultimately prevent these fires from destroying property and potentially saving lives.”
Testing during the pilot period will include a variety of tests, including a small, controlled burn at Iroquois Shoreline Woods Park. The burn will be similar in size and shape to a barrel fire within the woodlot, on a date still to be determined. It will be take place with the full support and cooperation of Town of Oakville staff and the Oakville Fire Department, to ensure the safety of all involved, the public and the neighbourhood.
Signage at the park will let visitors know more about the pilot and residents of the area will be notified by mail of when any burn tests will take place. The Town of Oakville encourages residents to contact ServiceOakville at service@oakville.ca or 905-845-6601 with any concerns or questions they may have. Any questions related to the pilot product can be directed to Siemens.
About Siemens Canada
Siemens Canada is a leading technology company focused on industry, infrastructure, mobility and healthcare. The company’s purpose to is to create technology with purpose, transforming the everyday, for everyone, since 1912. By combining the real and the digital worlds, Siemens empowers its customers to accelerate their digital and sustainability transformations, making factories more efficient, cities more liveable, and transportation more sustainable. Siemens also owns a majority stake in the publicly listed company Siemens Healthineers, a leading global medical technology provider shaping the future of healthcare.
In fiscal 2024, which ended September 30, 2024, Siemens Canada had revenues of approx. $2.2 billion CAD. The company has approximately 4,300 employees from coast-to-coast and 37 office and production facilities across Canada.
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